Description for Strobilanthes dyeriana, Peacock Plant, Persian Shield

The dark green foliage with bright, metallic-purple stripes radiating outward from the central leaf vein. The flowers tend to be small and are out shown by the leaves.

Common name(s): Peacock Plant, Persian Shield

Flower colours: Pale purple flowers

Bloom time: Fall / Winter

Max reachable height: Up to 36 inches

Difficulty to grow: Easy to grow

Planting and care

Growing Persian shield requires warm temperatures and sultry humid air. Persian Shield grows best outdoors, although it can survive in other zones as a houseplant given sufficient temperature, soil moisture, and humidity. You can start Persian Shield from seed or cuttings.

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well-drained, Loam Soil

Water: Medium

Temperature: 18 to 30 degrees C

Fertilizer: Use any organic fertilizer

Caring for Strobilanthes dyeriana

Grow in the humid climate in the rich well-drained soil.

Give some shade during the hottest parts of the summer.

Do not prune the leaves back immediately after flowering.

It will need minimum feeding at the start of the season and again about mid-way through the summer.

Avoid chlorinated water, it will damage the leaves.

Aphids and Whiteflies can become pests, look for the attack and act soon.

Harvesting

NA

Typical uses of Strobilanthes dyeriana

Special features: Persian shield is a phenomenal foliar specimen.

Culinary use: NA

Ornamental use: It can be grown as an annual bedding plant or in containers. It can be used as a houseplant.